With all due respect to Dyna Sluyter, I do not like being lumped in a field of candidates that she implies aren't doing anything about housing solutions. I have preserved housing in my neighborhood by moving a duplex; I have added to the housing stock on my block through renovation and new construction; I used my resources to get a duplex on my block out of the hands of an absentee landlord and established a (former) renter from the block as an owner-occupant at no financial profit to myself; I serve on the HOMS Initiative Strategic Planning Committee & Project for Pride in Living Community Housing Development Organization's advisory board; I Chair my N'hood Org's Housing Committee; I am currently using my experience and knowledge to try to bring about another house move in my neighborhood; I am helping (as a volunteer) the current Council Member to advance solutions for creating affordable housing. THAT said, here are my responses to her suggestions: Garage Conversion. This sounds like a good way to increase density and offer residents an economic opportunity. Often buildings like this are called Carraige Houses. The n'hood org. in Ventura Village (formerly Phillips North Region) has a program for building Carraige Houses and they may already have schematics that could help. I believe their program is stalled on a technicality. Residential zoning of R2(B) is very common and allows for two housing units per lot. RV's. This is transitional housing and a temporary solution not available to that many people. An RV does not add to family's wealth the way home-ownership does (it depreciates). A renter who could make that kind of initial investment in the RV would probably be better off trying to buy a building, condo, or co-op for a home. In the case of Ms. Sluyter's mom, however, it seems like an ideal solution. I'm wondering if a waiver could be sought for her RV hook-up by approaching the City Admin. with support from the Neighborhood Organization and Ward Office? Please see my web site for more affordable housing suggestions (under Issues). Yours, Robert Lilligren Candidate for City Council Ward 8, Phillips West www.VoteRobert.com _______________________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
